Experimental Investigations on Machining of CFRP Composites: Study of Parametric Influence and Machining Performance Optimization

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites are characterized by their excellent mechanical properties (high specific strength and stiffness, light weight, high damping capacity etc.) as compared to conventional metals, which results in their increased utilization especially for aircraft and aerospace applications, automotive, defense as well as sporting industries. With increasing applications of CFRP composites, determining economical techniques of production is very important. However, as compared to conventional metals, machining behavior of composites is somewhat different. This is mainly because these materials behave extremely abrasive during machining operations. Machining of CFRP appears difficult due to their material discontinuity, inhomogeneity and anisotropic nature. Moreover, the machining behavior of composites largely depends on the fiber form, the fiber content, fiber orientations of composites and the variability of matrix material. Difficulties are faced during machining of composites due to occurrence of various modes of damages like fiber breakage, matrix cracking, fiber–matrix debonding and delamination. Hence, adequate knowledge and in-depth understanding of the process behavior is indeed necessary to identify the most favorable machining environment in view of various requirements of process performance yields. In this context, present work attempts to investigate aspects of machining performance optimization during machining (turning and drilling) of CFRP composites. In case of turning experiments, the following parameters viz. cutting force, Material Removal Rate (MRR), roughness average (Ra) and maximum tool-tip temperature generated during machining have been considered as process output responses. In case of drilling, the following process performance features viz. load (thrust), torque, roughness average (of the drilled hole) and delamination factor (entry and exit both) have been considered. Attempt has been made to determine the optimal machining parameters setting that can simultaneously satisfy aforesaid response features up to the desired extent. Using Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), multiple response features have been aggregated to obtain an equivalent single performance index called Multi-Performance Characteristic Index (MPCI). A nonlinear regression model has been established in which MPCI has been represented as a function of the machining parameters under consideration. The aforesaid regression model has been considered as the fitness function, and finally optimized by evolutionary algorithms like Harmony Search (HS), Teaching-Learning Based Optimization (TLBO), and Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) etc. However, the limitation of these algorithms is that they assume a continuous search within parametric domain. These algorithms can give global optima; but the predicted optimal setting may not be possible to adjust in the machine/setup. Since, in most of the machines/setups, provision is given only to adjust factors (process input parameters) at some discrete levels. On the contrary, Taguchi method is based on discrete search philosophy in which predicted optimal setting can easily be achieved in reality.However, Taguchi method fails to solve multi-response optimization problems. Another important aspect that comes into picture while dealing with multi-response optimization problems is the existence of response correlation. Existing Taguchi based integrated optimization approaches (grey-Taguchi, utility-Taguchi, desirability function based Taguchi, TOPSIS, MOORA etc.) may provide erroneous outcome unless response correlation is eliminated. To get rid of that, the present work proposes a PCA-FuzzyTaguchi integrated optimization approach for correlated multi-response optimization in the context of machining CFRP composites. Application potential of aforementioned approach has been compared over various evolutionary algorithms

Studies on some aspects of composite machining

In this technological era, globalization has brought new challenges for the manufacturing industries, towards improving quality and productivity simultaneously, by reducing costs and increasing the performance of the machine tools. Process simulation is one of the most important aspects in any manufacturing/production context. With upcoming worldwide applications of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites; machining has become an important issue which needs to be investigated in detail. Process efficiency is measured in the sense of different objective functions or process output responses weather they are acceptable for a given targeted value or tolerance. Therefore, finding the best optimal parameter combination can lead towards improvement of the overall process efficiency. The performance of the process can be improved by applying optimization to the simulation model with respect to its process parameters. Single objective optimization method often creates conflict, when more than one response variables need to be optimized simultaneously. In order to minimize cost and to maximize production rate simultaneously; multi-objective optimization approach should be explored. In this thesis, multi-objective optimization methods have been reported to study some aspects of machining of composite material i.e. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composite. The various process parameters used were cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. Optimal cutting condition has been aimed to be evaluated to satisfy contradicting multi-requirements of product quality as well as productivity. This thesis has intended towards focusing two important aspects (i) when it comes to improve productivity, material removal rate has been considered and for (ii) quality of the machined composite product, various surface roughness characteristics of statistical importance have been investigated

Parametric Optimization of Taper Cutting Process using Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM)

Significant technological advancement of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process has been observed in recent times in order to meet the requirements of various manufacturing fields especially in the production of parts with complex geometry in precision die industry. Taper cutting is an important application of WEDM process aiming at generating complex parts with tapered profiles. Wire deformation and breakage are more pronounced in taper cutting as compared with straight cutting resulting in adverse effect on desired taper angle and surface integrity. The reasons for associated problems may be attributed to certain stiffness of the wire. However, controlling the process parameters can somewhat reduce these problems. Extensive literature review reveals that effect of process parameters on various performance measures in taper cutting using WEDM is also not adequately addressed. Hence, study on effect of process parameters on performance measures using various advanced metals and metal matrix composites (MMC) has become the predominant research area in this field. In this context, the present work attempts to experimentally investigate the machining performance of various alloys, super alloys and metal matrix composite during taper cutting using WEDM process. The effect of process parameters such as part thickness, taper angle, pulse duration, discharge current, wire speed and wire tension on various performance measures such as angular error, surface roughness, cutting rate and white layer thickness are studied using Taguchi’s analysis. The functional relationship between the input parameters and performance measures has been developed by using non-linear regression analysis. Simultaneous optimization of the performance measures has been carried out using latest nature inspired algorithms such as multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) and bat algorithm. Although MOPSO develops a set of non-dominated solutions, the best ranked solution is identified from a large number of solutions through application of maximum deviation method rather than resorting to human judgement. Deep cryogenic treatment of both wire and work material has been carried out to enhance the machining efficiency of the low conductive work material like Inconel 718. Finally, artificial intelligent models are proposed to predict the various performance measures prior to machining. The study offers useful insight into controlling the parameters to improve the machining efficiency

Engineering design of an integrated sustainable process system for cassava biobased materials

Cassava contributes significantly to biobased material development. Conventional approaches for its bio-derivative-production and application cause significant wastes, tailored material development challenges, with negative environmental impact and application limitations. Transforming cassava into sustainable value-added resources requires redesigning new approaches. Harnessing unexplored material source, and downstream process innovations can mitigate challenges. The ultimate goal proposed an integrated sustainable process system for cassava biomaterial development and potential application. An improved simultaneous release recovery cyanogenesis (SRRC) methodology, incorporating intact bitter cassava, was developed and standardized. Films were formulated, characterised, their mass transport behaviour, simulating real-distribution-chain conditions quantified, and optimised for desirable properties. Integrated process design system, for sustainable waste-elimination and biomaterial development, was developed. Films and bioderivatives for desired MAP, fast-delivery nutraceutical excipients and antifungal active coating applications were demonstrated. SRRC-processed intact bitter cassava produced significantly higher yield safe bio-derivatives than peeled, guaranteeing 16% waste-elimination. Process standardization transformed entire root into higher yield and clarified colour bio-derivatives and efficient material balance at optimal global desirability. Solvent mass through temperature-humidity-stressed films induced structural changes, and influenced water vapour and oxygen permeability. Sevenunit integrated-process design led to cost-effectiveness, energy-efficient and green cassava processing and biomaterials with zero-environment footprints. Desirable optimised bio-derivatives and films demonstrated application in desirable in-package O2/CO2, mouldgrowth inhibition, faster tablet excipient nutraceutical dissolutions and releases, and thymolencapsulated smooth antifungal coatings. Novel material resources, non-root peeling, zero-waste-elimination, and desirable standardised methodology present promising process integration tools for sustainable cassava biobased system development. Emerging design outcomes have potential applications to mitigate cyanide challenges and provide bio-derivative development pathways. Process system leads to zero-waste, with potential to reshape current style one-way processes into circular designs modelled on nature's effective approaches. Indigenous cassava components as natural material reinforcements, and SRRC processing approach has initiated a process with potential wider deployment in broad product research development. This research contributes to scientific knowledge in material science and engineering process design

Energy efficiency during the outside turning of Ti6Al4V

Abstract: Machining is one of the principal activities responsible for a significant portion of energy used in the manufacturing industries. Performing machining processes energy efficiently therefore leads to significant reduction in the total energy consumed by the sector. Titanium alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V (Grade 5 Ti-alloy), exhibit a unique combination of mechanical and physical properties. It possesses excellent corrosion resistance properties to a wide range of chemicals as well as heat resistance. Furthermore, titanium alloy displays outstanding properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio which can be maintained at elevated temperatures. Ti6Al4V is a high strength lightweight alloy which is used for critically demanding high-performance engineering applications such as aircraft engine and airframe components. Ti6Al4V is also desirable for the chemical, military weaponry and energy service industrial sectors. As a result titanium and its alloys is considered as material of strategic importance. However, titanium alloys are also classified as difficult-to-machine materials due to its rapidly transformative thermo-mechanical and metallurgical properties when exposed to the high machining temperatures. The good strength properties also render the material difficult to machine. This tends to increase the burden on energy demand of the machining process...D.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering

Parametric Optimization of Taper Cutting Process using Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM)

Significant technological advancement of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process has been observed in recent times in order to meet the requirements of various manufacturing fields especially in the production of parts with complex geometry in precision die industry. Taper cutting is an important application of WEDM process aiming at generating complex parts with tapered profiles. Wire deformation and breakage are more pronounced in taper cutting as compared with straight cutting resulting in adverse effect on desired taper angle and surface integrity. The reasons for associated problems may be attributed to certain stiffness of the wire. However, controlling the process parameters can somewhat reduce these problems. Extensive literature review reveals that effect of process parameters on various performance measures in taper cutting using WEDM is also not adequately addressed. Hence, study on effect of process parameters on performance measures using various advanced metals and metal matrix composites (MMC) has become the predominant research area in this field. In this context, the present work attempts to experimentally investigate the machining performance of various alloys, super alloys and metal matrix composite during taper cutting using WEDM process. The effect of process parameters such as part thickness, taper angle, pulse duration, discharge current, wire speed and wire tension on various performance measures such as angular error, surface roughness, cutting rate and white layer thickness are studied using Taguchi’s analysis. The functional relationship between the input parameters and performance measures has been developed by using non-linear regression analysis. Simultaneous optimization of the performance measures has been carried out using latest nature inspired algorithms such as multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) and bat algorithm. Although MOPSO develops a set of non-dominated solutions, the best ranked solution is identified from a large number of solutions through application of maximum deviation method rather than resorting to human judgement. Deep cryogenic treatment of both wire and work material has been carried out to enhance the machining efficiency of the low conductive work material like Inconel 718. Finally, artificial intelligent models are proposed to predict the various performance measures prior to machining. The study offers useful insight into controlling the parameters to improve the machining efficiency

ReSCon '12, Research Student Conference: Book of Abstracts

The fifth SED Research Student Conference (ReSCon2012) was hosted over three days, 18-20 June 2012, in the Hamilton Centre at Brunel University. The conference consisted of 130 oral and 70 poster presentations, based on the high quality and diverse research being conducted within the School of Engineering and Design by postgraduate research students. The conference is held annually, and ReSCon plays a key role in contributing to research and innovations within the School

Design and Management of Manufacturing Systems

Although the design and management of manufacturing systems have been explored in the literature for many years now, they still remain topical problems in the current scientific research. The changing market trends, globalization, the constant pressure to reduce production costs, and technical and technological progress make it necessary to search for new manufacturing methods and ways of organizing them, and to modify manufacturing system design paradigms. This book presents current research in different areas connected with the design and management of manufacturing systems and covers such subject areas as: methods supporting the design of manufacturing systems, methods of improving maintenance processes in companies, the design and improvement of manufacturing processes, the control of production processes in modern manufacturing systems production methods and techniques used in modern manufacturing systems and environmental aspects of production and their impact on the design and management of manufacturing systems. The wide range of research findings reported in this book confirms that the design of manufacturing systems is a complex problem and that the achievement of goals set for modern manufacturing systems requires interdisciplinary knowledge and the simultaneous design of the product, process and system, as well as the knowledge of modern manufacturing and organizational methods and techniques

Developing a soft systems solution for enhancing and managing change in organisations

This thesis addresses problems associated with organisational change and seeks to provide insights into the application of soft systems methodology to identify change levers that can facilitate change. Businesses face change drivers with ever increasing pressure and frequency from economic, social and environmental sources. Most change processes involve cultural change that takes time and are fraught with barriers and social resistance. A process that can facilitate timely change and enables the establishment of a mutual accommodation in the hearts and minds of the participants can be of significant value. The identification of points of high yield of experience and learning characterised as change levers, can facilitate this timely and supportive approach to change. Soft systems methodology has been used extensively in researching complex and messy problems in poorly defined social systems where previously unseen issues and values have been identified. It is used to facilitate a shared experience, which leads to understanding among the stakeholders. However, a gap exists in the application of soft systems methodology in identifying change levers. This research is used to address and identify these change levers. A qualitative research methodology is adopted using interviews of managers and participants in a range of organisations either undergoing change or where change has recently taken place. Issues identified from the research are presented graphically in models that help to identify potential points of leverage. The research also offered an opportunity to apply soft systems methodology to a situation where coercive change was evident. Interpretive analysis is applied to the findings to draw conclusions. The research demonstrates that a full exploration of underlying resistive elements can be used to reach a mutual accommodation of other participants’ worldview, so leveraging the change process. By involving the participants in the creative development of a conceptual future also optimises the transformation process by introducing a new paradigm of engagement in the change process